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Small Town Travel: 5 Must-See Small Towns

5 Cute Small Towns You’ve Never Heard of—Until Now

When it comes to vacation and travel in the U.S., there’s nothing wrong with sticking with the classics. Infamous cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and New York are all tourist traps for a reason—they’re bursting at the seams with energy and excitement.

There comes a time, however, when you begin to crave something new. Something different.

As opposed to the bright lights of a big city, you begin to crave the gentle lure and cozy atmosphere that only a small town can provide. And there are thousands of small towns all around the country worth exploring—each one unique in its own way.

Perfect for families in search of wholesome fun, couples looking for a romantic getaway, or solo travelers en route to new adventures—there’s no demographic left out when it comes to finding the perfect small-town travel destination.

But, the best thing about going to explore small towns is also the worst thing about small towns—they’re hard to find. The very nature of a small town is hidden, exclusive, and quiet. This makes it difficult to know where to go.

Here at BusTickets.com, we pride ourselves on being your go-to source for everything about U.S. travel. So for those looking to explore small towns, we’ve got you covered.

Here are five of the cutest small towns you’ve never heard of—until now.

Leavenworth, Washington

Located in central Washington state, the small village of Leavenworth is a beautiful sight to behold. The architecture and atmosphere of Leavenworth are styled like an authentic Bavarian village, with Alpine-style buildings featuring German restaurants and shops.

The village serves as a gateway for wineries and ski resorts, as well as many unassuming and unique attractions like the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which features a vast collection of nutcracker figurines, some of which are centuries old.

Leavenworth’s cozy atmosphere and old-world aesthetic drip with charm, making it the perfect low-key travel destination for families and couples alike.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Settled upon California’s Monterey Peninsula, this beach city is a hidden gem within the Golden State, attracting a loyal following of leisure-loving travelers.

Unlike most cities in California, what Carmel-by-the-Sea treasures most is its history, offering a cornucopia of interesting museums and historical sites. The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum is the most notable of these, as the historic landmark in which the city was founded around.

Satisfyingly quiet, Carmel-by-the-Sea is perfect for those who love to explore small towns. Decorated with fairytale cottages and home to many boutique restaurants and shops, this coastal city combines a small-town atmosphere with beachfront relaxation for a most enviable vacation experience.

Ellicottville, New York

New York is a state largely defined by the Big Apple. But tucked away in the western region of the state and far from the hustle and bustle of NYC, is the small village of Ellicottville, which promotes an entirely different mode of thinking.

Outfitted with boutique shops, breweries, and charming little restaurants, Ellicottville exudes the classic image of small-town America. These small-town creature comforts aren’t the only thing available to Ellicottville, however. The village is also home to two ski resorts, including Holiday Valley, that feature cross-country trails and an adventure park.

Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to know Ellicottville offers close proximity to Rock City and McCarty Hill state forests, where hiking trails and wildlife draw many curious explorers.

Stuart, Florida

Popular tourist cities like Orlando and Miami first come to mind when thinking about the Sunshine State, but the gorgeous landscape and year-round warm climate in Florida benefit more than just the tourist traps.

Small towns like Stuart, located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, are well-kept secrets among many local Floridians. Therefore, if you’re making your way to Florida intending to explore small towns—you’d be best advised to head to Stuart.

Known to many as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” the vibrant small town of Stuart gives its visitors a slow-paced atmosphere amongst gorgeous coastal scenery. Historic homes, pastel-colored and half dilapidated from the salty air, set the charming aesthetic and tone of Stuart, where many water sports enthusiasts travel to fish, boat, and kayak.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Landscape artists live to paint places like Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Carved into mountains and intersected by rivers, this gorgeous small town offers the perfect escape from the modern world.

Harpers Ferry is the ideal archetype for a low-key getaway with a cute, downtown aesthetic. A handful of eclectic shops, restaurants, and breweries are available for some healthy indulging, and some great historic landmarks like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park feature walking trails, a Civil War museum, and John Brown’s Fort.

If visitors to Harpers Ferry are seeking adventure in the outdoors, you don’t have to look far, as the town serves as a gateway to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Jefferson Rock.

Hop on a Bus to Explore Small Towns

There’s a whole world of small towns across the U.S. where charming atmospheres, friendly locals, and humble attractions converge to create unforgettable experiences. Don’t waste any time; start exploring these small towns with BusTickets.com. Purchase your tickets and start planning your trip today!

References

http://www.nutcrackermuseum.com/

https://carmelmission.org/visit/museum/

https://www.holidayvalley.com/

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/historyculture/jefferson-rock.htm

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